A Thursday 13

1. Yard sale tomorrow- I know I won't feel truly prepared, but I'll take joy in the fact the stuff is no longer taking up valuable space in my home.

2. Baking brownies, cookies, Rice Krispy treats - DS10 has decided to run a bake sale and lemonade stand along side our yard sale.

3. Date Night on Friday! - That gives me something to look forward to! We're using a $10 off coupon so the fruge in me is happy.

4. Feeling sad about saying goodbye, but I'm learning that goodbye is never forever. I'm just having difficulty coping with the loss of opportunities once that person has gone.

5. Loving the smell of the rain headed my way this morning.

6. I found a class I'd like to take only I don't have a $1000. Going to put on the autodidact hat once again and research "Home Staging" myself.

7. My hour long walks have cured my insomnia. 60 minutes compared to 30 really makes a difference.

8. I have to plan a Chicago excursion. DS10 has expressed an interest in seeing the city. Maybe my last, "Forty First" before turning 41, should be standing on that clear glass balcony on top of the building previously known as the Sear's Tower. That would be an accomplishment for me and my vertigo!

9. I want Sharpie pens. Do you think they are as good as regular Sharpies? I hope they come in the same colors.

10. If I don't get the remaining blueberries in the freezer soon, I will have eaten the entire 5 pound box in two weeks. That's bad right? I'm not turning blue yet.

11. Growing Butternut squash vertically is turning out to be pretty easy. The plants seem to love it and its amazing to see how their vines wrap around the wire frame. Next year we'll have to build more vertical frames.

12. Found a new species of bee in our garden yesterday! Great news! Along with regular Honey, and Bumble bees, we can now add Carpenter to the project list. She was pollinating a butternut for me. Every 3rd bite of food we enjoy comes our way thanks to bees.

13. Perfect timing. Someone else wants to use the computer now.

Have a great weekend!

I feel like I should be baking something, but I don't know what.

Lacing up those shoes once again. Sweaty pits are a good thing. (So are showers- best part of working out!)

I have way too much frozen fruit in my freezer. Anyone want a smoothie?

Sunday July 26th

"Why are you taking a picture of your new shoes?"

"Because Stormmie told me to."

These are my new shoes. They were $70 shoes on sale for $50 and I had another coupon for $10 off. I'm usually more frugal than that, but I told myself its an investment in my health. I really needed good quality walking shoes.

DMIL made it safely overseas. Now if we can spend the next several weeks not worrying about whether she decides to go para-sailing, we'll be ok. Grandma- BE SAFE!

We hadn't checked the garden in a few days and today we were surprised to find tennis ball sized watermelons and ping pong ball cantaloupes. I even found a few butternuts taking shape. I'll have to take photos tomorrow.

The boys are watching over the neighbor's garden while they're away. I told them this could be a great idea for a summer home business. Some people may not need pet sitting, but garden sitting to make sure things stay watered and weeded. I'm not sure I have them convinced.

We saw the latest Harry Potter movie yesterday and it stunk. As with most every movie based on a book, read the book instead. I'm not sure I even want to see the rest now. I'd rather keep my memories from the books.

Our living room smells so nice and fresh. We shampooed the carpet and instead of using regular carpet cleaner, I decided we should try using the natural alternative laundry soap I make. It worked like a charm and thankfully, no itchy feet like the last time we tried steaming carpets using chemicals.

This week the boys and I will have to work hard at purging more stuff. I've promised them all proceeds from the yard sale are theirs towards their ******* fund. (I just remembered I can't tell you what they are saving for.)

Well, I'm off to bed early. I'm finding sleep is as important as exercise when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system. 

Falling behind on my notes here....

Its not my fault. If I don't wake up before the boys, I have to fight for a turn on the computer!

Thursday I walked over 2 miles in moc crocs, (generic Croc type shoes).  I don't recommend it. I hadn't planned on doing all that walking, but it was great taking a stroll with my homeschool mom posse. First thing Friday I went out and bought myself a new pair of walking shoes. Pain can be a great motivator.

Friday I believe I was fighting off a bug. My stomach was growling and my head felt thick. It was one of those days where I couldn't decide how best to take care of myself. Took a real nap and that helped.

After a sandwich supper, we enjoyed the sky show, watching thunderstorms roll through. We had so much wind the garden was really blown over, but hopefully things will spring back up.

We watched Friday the 13th on the Spike network last night for our Friday Family Fun movie. The boys had heard about this classic and since it was on tv we thought it would be edited a bit. It turned out to be edited too much, making it difficult to figure out which teen camper was just killed. Of course it was the ending that finally gave us a really good scare.

This afternoon I believe the plan is to see the newest Harry Potter movie. Its been so long since we've read the books, I can't remember what happens in which book.

Well, I better get my new shoes laced up and ready to go. Have a great weekend!

Happy Learn Nothing Day!

I need to get back to ruthless purging. It must go!

I need to sleep!!

Dawn's Chocolate Chip Pecan Whole Grain Biscotti

Description:
Cookie Project #4

My first attempt ever at making biscotti. These are not going to last long. At least they are some what healthy.

Ingredients:
2 C whole grain flour (I used 1 C Kamut & 1 C whole wheat)
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/3 C sugar
1/3 C brown sugar
2 L egg whites
1 L egg
1 1/2 t vanilla extract
2/3 C chocolate chips
3/4 C chopped pecans

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F

Mix the flour, baking soda and salt.

In a separate bowl cream the sugars, egg whites, egg and vanilla. Slowly mix in the flour mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts.

Divide the dough into 3, 6 inch long logs, and press each one down to a height of 1 inch.

Bake on a silicon or parchment paper covered cookie sheet for 28 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack, 10 minutes.

Lower oven to 325F

Slice the biscotti into 1/2 inch slices and bake cut side down 7 minutes. Turn over and bake another 7 minutes.

Cool and store airtight.

I feel like reading all day long.

I'm missing the dandelions. Wish they'd resurface.

Our Weekend...

Aren't these cats cute? In another universe where I have more than enough money, I bought several of these guys and they are keeping watch in my garden. I have a weakness for black and white kitties, especially cute round ones!

We spent Sunday visiting with G-Ma, enjoying K-town; thin crust pizza, deep fried green beans, mojos, the art fair, and cool lake breezes.

I'm adding "how to make home made mojos" to my autodidact agenda. They are Italian broasted potatoes, but my husband's family always calls them "mojos."

Sunday evening we watched Apollo 13 with the boys and talked about today's anniversary of men walking on the moon. DS10 asked me if the moon's surface really feels like that, (dusty). I reminded him he'd have to ask an astronaut. I haven't been there.

Saturday we hiked up to the library, about 2 miles. Oddly, my shin splints didn't surface until this morning. DH was sweet. He carried the books, which if you know anything about unschoolers and libraries, you know what a load that was! I don't know what I'd do without him or our Lands End giant tote bags.

On Saturday we also made a popcorn run. I had forgotten about Maxwell Street Days, (State Street sidewalk sales), but we made it through the crowd.

The rest of Saturday we hung out at home, chilling out, with a little responsibility thrown in. I tackled the linen closet, which had become an unorganized mess. I can't believe how many ratty towels I was keeping as "rags." How many cleaning rags does one need? I'll have to post before and after pictures.

Saturday night's scary movie was Nightmare On Elm Street 2. I had forgotten how lame it was, but its been fun sharing these with the boys. We followed that up with another Mystery Science theatre gem, "Overdrawn At The Brain Bank."

Friday night we met DH after he got off of work and gambled on trying The Parkway's fish fry. The restaurant is located in a not so great part of Madison. To our surprise the restaurant was terrific. It was clean inside, with friendly staff and great prices! Our fish was delicious and the service very quick. We spent half of what we did the week before at Christy's and everything was better quality. We have to remember not to judge books by their cover and take that chance.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Description:
"Mom. I just want peanut butter cookies. No chips, no frosting. Just peanut butter cookies. Thanks."

(Cookie project #3)

Ingredients:
1/2 C butter
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 t vanilla
1 1/4 C sifted flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 salt


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350

Cream together the butter, peanut butter and sugars. Add the egg and vanilla and mix in. Add dry ingredients gradually and don't over beat.

Bake for 10-12 minutes

The cool breeze is making this Sleepyhouse too sleepy. Time to make a little noise to get this day moving and grooving!

Poor Mama Robin is making such a ruckus. She's trying to find her fledgling. How can she make such a racket with a mouth full of berries? I feel like telling her not to squawk with her mouth full.

An Autodidacts Agenda

My latest list of things I want to learn more about;

Immunity diets- What should we be eating, and not eating, to boost our immunity. I'd like to get through another cold/flu season unscathed and not count on a vaccine.

HTML Code- Why pay for someone else to do what I should be able to learn to do myself?

Butterfly Garden Design- Looking forward to getting rid of more over rated suburban grass

Cookbook publishing- Family reunion less than 1 year away!

Furniture upholstery - Don't ask.

Tree pruning- Maybe mulberries are a nuisance after all.

Wills and living trusts- Embarrassed to report we haven't completed one, which since we have children, is even more stupid to have procrastinated on.

Chemical free decorating- creating a healthy environment

Small business ideas that succeed- More procrastinating I need to correct!

Tie Dying- Only did this once when as a kid. I'd like to know how to create all those cool, swirly patterns.

This should keep me busy for awhile.

What a crazy thunderstorm we had last night. I was sure lightning was touching down in our yard, but this morning the few trees we have are still standing. Garden looks beaten down, but hopefully it will spring back up.

My mom is disappointed we rescheduled our visit. I knew she would be. Its not easy for us to travel because we don't have money and need to work. Personally, I don't understand why parents move away from their children. I hope I can always live near ours.

What Our Unschooling Day Looked Like on 7/13/09

We began our day with computer games. DS10 has been trying to build his rank in the Wizard game on Fun Orb.

We made the chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies.

The teenager rolled out of bed.

We next watched a show about women who have climbed K2 and lost their lives doing so, while I blogged & checked emails.

Captain Underpants is the current read of DS10 and DS13 just finished The Talisman. He's moving on to The Stand, extended version.

After reading awhile, we headed outside to tend to our garden. We finished construction on the vertical frame for the Butternut squash. We used telephone wire, hoping since its colorful, the birds won't fly into it.

Since the weather was perfect, we remained outside and did our Bee project. We are collecting data for the Great Sunflower Project. We were excited to see real honey bees, (not wasps) so eagerly enjoying the blooming Milkweed we left for the Monarchs. Although its fun to have the Milkweed growing up through our decking, its really inspired me to create a butterfly garden island somewhere in the yard for next year.

After lunch, we decided to play with the digital camera. We took photos of our Lego guys doing various things, posed for silly photos of each other and last but not least, the scandalous Domo photo shoot in big brother's bed! When the teenager's away, (on the computer), the pre-teen will play!

We fed our parakeets, unloaded the dishwasher, moved laundry mountain and took the garbage and recyclables out. (Always have to do the chores sooner or later.)

DS10 lost a tooth.

Our friends came over in the later afternoon and we played video games until dad came home.

We made supper with DH and gave him the update on our day.

He helped us go through boxes of books, trying to find a book we know we should have, but we couldn't find it. (We really need to purge more!)

We settled down to watch a Mystery Science Theater movie while I researched immunity diets online.

We wound down with reading again before going to bed. 

JOHN KIESLOW INVADES OUR PRIVACY

I read something very disturbing in my state's home schooling newsletter. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is releasing birth certificate information without authority to do so.

JOHN KIESLOW, that's JOHN KIESLOW, the Wisconsin State Registrar, has told the Wisconsin Parent's Association's executive director, although he is aware of the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act, (FERPA), which prohibits any educational agency or institution that receives federal funds from releasing personal contact information for students not enrolled in a public school, he disagrees with the interpretation of the statue and will continue to release birth certificate information unless he is challenged, (sued), at which time he would then consult an attorney. 

Wisconsin statute 69.20 says information from birth certificates may be shared "for the purpose of compiling demographic statistics related to planning."

JOHN KIESLOW, I said, JOHN KIESLOW, you have got to be a moron if you can't interpret the meaning of "statistics".

JOHN KIESLOW, allow me to share the Merriam-Webster dictionary's interpretation for you. Statistic- a quantity that is computed from a sample. Statistics- a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, analysis and interpretation of masses of NUMERICAL data.

I understand why public school districts need to collect data as to how many certain aged children live within their boundaries, but there is no reason why the school district needs to know my children's names and birth dates! Do they need to prepare for the possibility the next Kindergarten class contains too many Jacobs and Emilys?

In this day and age of identify theft, knowing my children's birth certificate is being shared by people I will never meet, let alone be able to hold accountable for, is very disturbing to me.

If I had the money, JOHN KIESLOW'S birth certificate would be posted on the side of a truck and driven around the state. If I had the money I would "challenge his interpretation" and sue the pants off the state of Wisconsin for placing my children's future economic health in jeopardy.

All I can do is call and write my representatives and share my anger at how easy it is to take advantage of an honest tax payer, who also doesn't ask for any money from the state to educate my children.

WHY CAN'T YOU JUST LEAVE US ALONE!  We don't need to be marketed to. We don't need to be included in studies. My home based, private educational program has nothing to do with the public school. Spreading our children's personal information around for anyone to abuse is, in my interpretation, criminal and constitutes identify theft terrorism, MR. JOHN KIESLOW!!

Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

Description:
Very yummy! A great summer time cookie because you don't have to turn on the oven. You must allow them to cool and set before enjoying.

Ingredients:
2 C sugar
1/2 C milk
1/4 C cocoa
1 stick of butter (1/2 C)

1/2 C peanut butter
3 C oats (quick or regular)

Directions:
Mix the sugar, milk, cocoa and butter in a sauce pan, over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Once peanut butter is melted, stir in oats. Drop by cookie scoop or spoonful onto a silicon baking sheet or waxed paper. Allow to cool and set completely.

Its official. Measured him this morning. He's now taller than me. Who told this kid he could grow up so quickly?

Making spaghetti for Sunday supper. Who's all coming over?

Dawn's Sugar Drop Cookies

Description:
Not healthy- but sweet and delicious! Cookie Project, Batch One

Very easy sugar cookie recipe. My DH said these were the best cookies I've every baked, but personally, I'd prefer chocolate in there somewhere.

Ingredients:
Cookie Dough-
1 1/2 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
1 t vanilla extract
1 egg
3 C flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt

Icing-
1 1/4 C powdered sugar
2 T milk
1/2 t vanilla

Directions:
Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients. Chill the dough in the refrigerator.

Heat oven to 350. Use a cookie scoop or drop by spoonfuls onto a silicon or parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Once cookies are cooled, ice with frosting if desired.

My cookie cottage...

My Facebook friends are a bad influence. One of them has decided to bake a different cookie everyday for the next 100 days. I love this idea, but the reality is, I don't think I could keep up that pace, even giving away all those cookies. I've decided to try one new batch a week.

Yesterday I tweaked a sugar cookie recipe. I wasn't that impressed but DH really seems to love them. I thought they spread out too much, but that's what using butter will do. I'm not a fan of shortening or margarine.

Another FB friend mentioned she was stopping at the "Cookie Cottage." I loved the sound of that. I Googled and discovered its a cookie company, selling really expensive cookies. How much would you spend on a chocolate chip cookie?

I had the thought I would love to have a little cookie shop, in our cute little historical village, but the reality is, I can't see it being profitable. People in my town would not pay what the "Cookie Cottage" charges, and I'm guessing to keep a cookie shop in business, you would need to charge $2 a cookie.

I wish I could figure out what home business to start. I really want to show the boys how to be entrepreneurs, but I can't find a way to turn our passions into paychecks. We'll keep brainstorming.

Heading off to Art Fairs On and Off the Square in Madison. Hoping to find some inspiration!

Fish Friday?

This photo shows why I'm allowing the milkweed to grow up through my deck. We have two chunky Monarch caterpillars that have so far made it through the earwig attack. I really hope they make it!

I woke up too early and my brain was racing with spastic thoughts, like that commercial with the people with internet search overload. I couldn't shut down and chill. My eyes didn't want to be left open, but my brain wouldn't shut off, so I just decided to stay up. Now I'm paying the price. I probably won't be too much fun for our family fun night, but I'll give it my best shot.

DH is hoping we can find a decent fish fry for supper. We're going to try our luck finding a back road bar & grill located on a small lake that is rumored to be a good spot. Its actually easier to find if you have a boat.

Its a wonderful feeling heading into a weekend knowing there is absolutely nothing we are committed to doing. We can go with the flow and see where life takes us.

I do hope I can tackle our book shelf dilemma. How is it I love books but a bookshelf to me looks cluttered and uninviting? On the the other hand, I want the books to be in plain sight so they get picked up every now and then.

I haven't gotten around to stringing up wire for our vertical garden frames. Maybe I'll  be inspired this weekend to tackle that, or maybe not. I don't mind really if the plants sprawl out over the lawn. Maybe I'm  being lazy, but our Square Foot garden box is so overgrown with tomatoes, you can't make out the squares anymore.  I was born to break rules, I'm an unschooler!

Going to try jumping around and see if that wakes me up. DH will home soon and I'll need to have my Friday Fun Game face on!

I love being an Autodidact! Learning new things empowers you and is such a confidence booster. Never fear what you don't know. Face it head on and don't give up. Even little steps count and move you further towards your goal.

13 for Thursday

1. Discovered my stomach cramping is in response to chemical exposure. Darn crop dusters!

2. The ants are attacking as well. The first few days, they were in our bathroom. They drank up the Terro poison in droves, but days later, the second wave is ignoring it. Now a new platoon is exploring the boys' bedroom.

3. DS10 said he's watched too many insect shows. He didn't feel safe sleeping in his room, thinking he'd wake up with ants covering his body. I told him our ants weren't of the tropical variety, and were not interested in feeding on humans. Right after I assured him ants wouldn't crawl on him, he discovered an ant on his forearm. DS10 ended up in a sleeping bag on our bedroom floor.

4. I'm not looking forward to calling my mom. We most likely will have to postpone our trip. She'll be disappointed.

5. Kicking myself for not buying cereal yesterday. When I was there, I thought, naah. Its not on sale and we've been eating nothing but cereal. We need to try something different. Now that there is none in our pantry, its the only thing I'm craving.

6. Hoping tonight's shift goes much better. Its not fun being yelled at by angry moms.

7. Bite Me, Dr. Mike's Vietnam, show didn't disappoint. He dropped his drawers and had his medic check his butt crack for leeches. A huge, long, slimy one fell out and the medic indeed confirmed it was headed for his scrotum. He also willingly swallowed a tape worm and combed a rat looking for fleas which carry the bubonic plague.  I don't see how this guy can make it through an entire season without serious harm coming his way. He is insane, of course we are too for watching!

8. Our homemade mosquito repellent seems to work, but I admit, the smell is not that much better than that of Deet loaded chemical sprays. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. Add a few drops of citronella essential oil, (not citronella oil fuel) and mix in a spray bottle. It also costs less than Off.

9. Anyone want to brush Yumi? Why is she still shedding her winter coat?

10. I think I need pizza. Its been too long.

11. I only have 8 minutes left on the computer. The child is starting to circle me like a shark!

12. Tomorrow may have to be a "do what I feel like day."

13. I really need to redecorate my blog.

Been having strange, stressful dreams lately. I tried to call 911 but Ozzy Osbourne was the operator, and I couldn't understand anything he was saying.

Unschoolers Are Not Guilty Of Educational Neglect

My quickie note today is in response to having read this article. Click here.

This woman believes Unschooling parents are guilty of child neglect. Her article created a firestorm, and the next day she posted another article, sort of a retraction.

Personally, when I read the original article, I thought this woman was extremely judgmental and had no clue what unschooling really was. I wasn't offended but rather felt sympathy for her ignorance.

I had DS13 read it for his take. He shared my sentiment. He assured me, he hasn't felt educationally neglected in the slightest. He also told me it wasn't worth posting a response to tell her how wrong she is. "She is too close minded."

The majority of unschooling parents I know share much more of their lives with their children than parents who send their children away for their education. How could I neglect them if I'm with them practically 24/7 unless I were, let's say, to confine them in a room, with holding bathroom and snack breaks unless I said it was time for them, and forbidding them from leaving? (Oh wait, I think I know where this is done and its not usually one's home.)

My children live and learn each day. I haven't placed them in a vacuum. They are free to explore the world around them. They are free to ask questions and follow their interests. The only limits I impose are those of safety.

This woman should meet my children. They are respectful, self motivated, creative, loving individuals. How did they end up like this? We loved them, unconditionally, and treated them with respect. We will always respect their feelings, their curiosity, their creativity. Can you imagine a world if we all did this for each other?

My sister once said my children were "Stepford children," because they were too well behaved. Yes, I guess we are freaks in that way.

When I asked my oldest if he felt like a freak because we unschool, he said, "Mom, I think we are normal and everyone else are freaks." I don't worry about my children's self confidence and self esteem.

I asked my son if he regretted not being able to read on his own until he was around age 8-9, not age 5. He said he still found enjoyment from books because we read them out loud together. It was an experience of sharing and bonding. 

If I were new to unschooling, perhaps this woman's comments would have razzled me, but after the 10 plus years we've been living and learning together through life at home, I pity this woman who has no clue how much greener the grass is over here.

I feel so blessed to have had the chance to share my children's lives on a day to day basis as they've grown through the years, but also have my desire to constantly learn more about the world around me re-awakened. They have taught me to question things and always strive for happiness.

I really believe God created us all different, with different interests. We are wired to naturally have curiosity and it is impossible not to learn. Scientists actually have proven the brain is constantly making neuron pathways. It is impossible not to learn, (even if you are confined to a desk all day.) Can you imagine the things you could do without limits on your curiosity?

Unschooling means I do not look at the clock and say, "Oh, its 2:00pm. Time to stop figuring out how to write the number you get when you multiply one million times one million. You need to study biology now."

If neglect is "to leave undone, or unattended to", wouldn't I be neglecting him if I stopped him from being able to figure out the answer to his question?

DS10's latest project is- If you gave one million people, one million dollars, what does that number look like? Do you know what's its called? I'll give you a hint, after DS10 & I figured out the answer to his question, it led us to a discussion on our country's national debt! Thankfully because we unschool, we had the freedom to shift gears from math into political history when we decided it was interesting to do so, not when the clock said we had to.

Unschooling parents aren't neglectful. We instead, understand how best to facilitate our children's natural desire for learning and growth. Our focus is on the individual child, not on equalizing an age group.

She may call me a lazy, unschooling mother, but if that were the case, wouldn't my children have modeled that? Why aren't they bored blobs, sitting on the couch all day? Oh wait, you mean I should not have modeled reading, writing, creating, growing, cleaning, exercising, sharing, problem solving, shopping, resting, curing, cooking, engaging, expressing, fixing, thinking, crying, laughing, wondering, etc... As an unschooling mother I was suppose to be a lazy, a self centered, sloth of a woman?

She obviously doesn't really know any unschooling moms. Prejudice is so ugly. Too bad she can't open her mind. Maybe its because to do so, would mean she would have to question her own educational philosophy. She may discover a flaw or two and those cracks in her glass house may cause it to crash apart. I pity bullies. They make themselves feel better by picking on others because inside, they are unsatisfied.

I will end this by assuring you, in our Sleepyhouse, we are more than satisfied with how well natural learning works.

   
 

"In a nutshell, people whose lives are hard, boring, painful, meaningless ­people who suffer ­tend to resent those who seem to suffer less than they do, and will make them suffer if they can. People who feel themselves in chains, with no hope of ever getting them off, want to put chains on everyone else." ­John Holt, Teach Your Own

Watch out dust bunnies! I'm coming to chase you out!

Too much partying this weekend....need to digest, stretch out, and sleep it off like a kitty.

Pesto Pizza Family Fun Night

Our homemade pizza came out so good!! The thin crust was homemade, but the pesto did come from a jar. I topped it with a little Parmesan and mozzarella cheese and threw on a few fresh tomatoes on my side. Pesto sauce is simply chopped basil with olive oil and chopped garlic.

It didn't feel like a Friday at all, since we aren't used to having DH home all day. I could get used to this. I should start playing the lottery and maybe someday we'll win big and DH can retire.

We've been watching the Twilight Zone marathon on the Sci Fi network and tonight's F.F.Friday movie was An American Werewolf In London. I'm too pooped out to stay up much longer though.

Tomorrow we'll have to get up early and bring our blanket down to Main street, reserving our spot for the 4th of July parade. Our little town's Independence Day parade is Norman Rockwell all the way. Color guards, police cars, firetrucks, floats, bands, Dairy Princesses, politicians, boy scouts, girl scouts, crazy Shriners in little cars, scary clowns, horse clubs, dog clubs, church groups, and of course, farm tractors, trucks and huge combines! The boys will bring bags because almost everyone throws out candy and each year at least one float throws out string cheese! Only in Wisconsin!

After the parade, we'll hop in the car and drive to Grandma's for a cookout. The watermelon is ready and we'll bring our swimsuits for perhaps a quick dip in freezing cold Lake Michigan before the fireworks begin on the lakefront.

We have more partying to do on Sunday too!  I'm sure by Monday I'll be ready to be a homebody.

So with a pizza happy tummy, I'm heading to bed to rest up for a busy holiday weekend. Happy 4th Of July!

Time to make some pizza dough. Pesto pizza anyone?

Do Earwigs eat Monarch caterpillars?

More grossing out, not relaxing....

Last night we watched Monsters Inside Me on Animal Planet. It was the first and last time we'll watch that show! To my horror, I learned there is a parasite carried in raccoon scat that can lead to worms eating your brain. Its rare, but the eggs can lie dormant in dirt and after being ingested, hatch. The worms usually stick to hanging around your guts, but as this rare case featured on last night's show proved, can move to your brain. It was heartbreaking watching a baby struggle to survive this parasitic brain worm! Terrible show!

Now I'm a bit freaked as to how I'm going to clean up the raccoon scat I discovered in our yard yesterday. (photo) Ignorance is bliss. I preferred not knowing we have raccoons, which have an 80% chance of carrying a potentially deadly parasite.

I should be feeling good. Its kind of like a Friday today, but I'm not. Aside from the parasite invested raccoon poop, I'm on edge because DH's boss hasn't made a decision yet regarding our health insurance. I'm also not looking forward to seeing extended family, which is terrible of me to say, I know, but they don't relax me. They pick on me. They'll say I'm too sensitive, but its not a balanced bullying. I'm just not in the mood to go through this trial.

I will have to set aside these worries and turn my focus to that which brings me joy. Tonight is the grand re-opening of our little Lake Leota. The village is planning a fireworks display on the water. I hope I can get home from work in time to see some of it.

DH doesn't have to work tomorrow! I'll have to griddle up a batch of Mancakes tomorrow morning!

Firefox keeps crashing on me as I try to use Multiply this morning. Grrrr......

Please Pray With Me! - DH is meeting with his boss regarding our health insurance proposal. The best case scenario is we pay another $100 a month out of pocket, but get to keep our current health insurance plan.

How Not To Relax (Unschooling Science & Health)

Last night we caught an episode of Bite Me, with Dr.Mike. He was in India trying to pick up as many nasty diseases as he could. He purposely ate unwashed vegetables with the hope of picking up worms. He did, showing us the proof after he excused himself off the bus and into a near by field as nature called. I'm sure the production crew were cringing as he asked for a bottle of water so he could wash off the worms to show on camera. Go to the website and click around on Gross Factor photos. The first India photo shows what came out of Dr. Mike.

Dr. Mike also willing immersed his body and drank from the Ganges river. If you aren't aware, this river in India, considered sacred, is used to dispose of cremated remains along with sewer waste. People believe the river has spiritual and medicinal properties so they bathe, wash and drink from it. While filming he acknowledges seeing all kinds of nasty waste in it, but he still proceeds to swallow it. It is later confirmed when he begins to notice stomach cramping, that he has indeed picked up parasites.

The show is fascinating, but for someone like me, also terrifying! Tonight there are more disturbing shows on, this time on Animal Planet, Eaten Alive and Monsters Inside Me.

Why is my family so fascinated with parasites? At least now they understand why hand washing before we eat, and washing off our food is so vital.

Thank you God, for these past two, most perfect weather days. After last week's misery, these 60's feel so good!